Monthly Archives: March 2013

Girly Girl Get-Aways at Siloam Retreat are the perfect way to gather with family, friends and wine. Bring the Girls and enjoy sipping Riesling-Sophie, Pinot Gris-Chloe, Chardonnay-Mia, Merlot-Kayla, Cabernet-Farrah and all new………………………………..are you ready for her?

Contact us for more information —on her debut in April. Spring is in bloom, come to Siloam Retreat enjoy the great outdoors, soak in the Hot Tub, gather around the camp fire, relax with massage, yoga, a good book.

This weekend we will visit the Grape. Heading east of the mountains to Prosser, WA in search of sun and early bud break. It’s only mid March but we are hearing reports of early Spring and that the vines are budding. We are also hearing concerning reports that the smoke from last years wildfires may affect the grape. The affect is unknown and has many dependencies–for more information about smoke taint visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130123133715.htm

Like many things in life, we over-complicate wine, for pure enjoyment try not to overthink it! On the other hand, it’s all very interesting and you know the importance of terrior and when we hear concerning impact reports of smoke on the grape and other environmental concerns that may affect the enjoyment of wine in our glass–it can be downright frightening.

It’s always good to get closer to the grape, we try to visit the vineyards often–keeping our eye, ear, and nose open to all that may affect the wine in our glass. In talking to someone about smoke on the grape they thought it might be a good thing as they like that Smokey, Tobacco flavor that is often picked up from red wines………..we shall see, swirl, and sip with each taste being a celebration.

Please join us sometime on a tour of the vineyards, a wine tasting or just a simple swirl, sniff and sip~Cheers!!

Wine may seem like one of those indulgences you’ll need to skip for improved health, but not so fast. Wine — in moderation — can actually be part of a mindful yoga practice, says Angela Gargano, a certified sommelier turned yoga instructor based in Madison, Wisconsin.

In her pioneering wine-and-yoga retreats in places like Barcelona and Sonoma (where the next retreat happens this month), Gargano draws parallels between the way wine and yoga help her students appreciate both more fully. Being in the moment is one of the goals of yoga, but it also works for epicurean pleasures.

“The idea for me is that with both food and wine, we can taste most fully when we’re in a present mindset,” says Gargano, of Bliss Flow Yoga & Wellness Center.

The concept of rooting down — finding your real self and being that person — is linked to the way the best wines are rooted to a place, expressing that unique terroir. And rather than just pouring a glass of after a routine, Gargano focuses on producers that are sustainable, working with organic or biodynamic fruit . Some of her favorites include ROBERT SINSKEY VINEYARDS, CADE WINERY, STORYBOOK MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS and ultra-boutique producers like Morgan Twain-Peterson’s BEDROCK WINE CO.